There are many reasons we may need to heal. Simply addressing one or two symptoms of a problem without acknowledging the core issue is not enough. In order to release pain and trauma, we need to address it in a holistic manner - that is, at all levels: body/mind/spirit.

Hypnotherapeutic methods for achieving pain relief are numerous. Effectiveness can vary and the choice may depend on the condition and personality of the client. Suggestions may be direct or indirect or may utilize anesthesia methods, guided imagery, hypnoanalysis or other procedures. As is so important in hypnosis, attitude is a major factor. It is important that the client accept that relief is possible. Constant pain needs to be approached on a different basis from interim pain.

Physical pain is seldom constant. The therapist will determine if the client has experienced periods, however briefly, which were free of pain. Treatment will likely involve the establishment of rapport with empathy and appreciation of the value of pain. Hypnotic regression to the cause of the problem can lead to understanding and relief. A hypnotherapist usually will not work with physical pain without being in communication with an appropriate physician, for the simple reason that pain is more of a symptom than a condition. Pain indicates that something is wrong, somewhere, and that is true whether the pain is physical or mental. Through hypnosis, clients frequently can be shown that they can control their pains, and being able to do so they also can diminish pain to tolerable levels or turn it off completely at will.